WHAT: Announcement by Empire Energy that it has been granted approval for 9 new fracking wells and associated infrastructure in the Beetaloo Basin, without the consent of the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust (Media announcement)
WHO: Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation represents native title holders from the Beetaloo Basin region and made a submission opposing Empire’s Environmental Management Plan for EP 187, noting concerns about inadequate consultation and risks to country, cultural heritage and water.
Wuyaliya man, Mr Asman Rory who is also Nimirinki and Jungai (cultural lawman) for his country which is impacted by Empire says, “Families have not decided whether to say yes or no to Empire’s latest plans to frack and sell gas from our country.
“It is insulting that people are making decisions on behalf of us. We have not given our consent.
“The Northern Land Council is meant to represent us and they shouldn’t be letting this happen. For consent you need proper consultation and a decision and we haven’t had a chance to have a discussion among ourselves yet.”
Chair of Nurrdalinji, Djingili Elder Samuel Sandy said, “Empire is wrong to try push ahead without the consent of families.
“These projects are dangerous, and the companies can not be trusted. Empire have already been found to have breached their environmental conditions.
“Minister Plibersek should pull the water trigger so scientists can look closely at the risks to water from Empire’s drilling.
“This fracking is all about money and money will destroy the country within the Beetaloo Basin. We want to keep our culture and country strong. This has been a long, long battle and we will continue to fight to stop it.”
Background
The Nurrdalinji Native Title Aboriginal Corporation includes native title holders and Traditional Owners from the Barkly and Roper region, including native title holders from the Amungee Mungee, Beetaloo, Hayfield, Kalala, Newcastle Waters - Murranji, Nutwood Downs, Shenandoah, Tandyidgee, Tanumbirini, Daly Waters Township, Ucharonidge native title determinations.
The Beetaloo sub-basin is located around 500 kilometres south-east of Darwin. It embraces Aboriginal land, pastoral leases (which co-exist with Native Title rights and interests), horticultural enterprises, cattle stations and remote Aboriginal communities. A number of companies are currently undertaking fracked gas drilling in the Beetaloo, with a view to expanding their projects across the region.